Method and apparatus for laser return characterization in a countermeasures system
A method for laser return characterization in a DIRCM system, wherein the improvement comprises the step of using a split or shared path.
This application claims rights under 35 USC §119(e) from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/920,713 filed Mar. 29, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to countermeasures systems and more particularly to methods for laser characterization in directed infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) systems.
2. Brief Description of Prior Developments
Countermeasures Effectiveness Assessment (CMEA) has been a major priority in the development of Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) systems. The determination of when a threat is no longer lethal is a priority during multiple launches. The classification of threat helps with determining of jam code algorithms selection or allows provisos for alternate deterrents. Conventional approaches use the existing fine-track-sensor, IR imaging camera, to detect jam-laser optical return. Disadvantages of such conventional approaches may include the need for additional processing, camera blanking, long integration times, lack of camera sensitivity, and asynchronous returns.
SUMMARY OF INVENTIONThe present invention is a method and apparatus for laser return characterization in a DIRCM system, wherein the improvement comprises the step of using a split or shared path.
The present invention is further defined with reference to the accompanying drawing where:
Referring to
In this invention the correlating laser fire event with return time provides rangefinding data an added feature that will help in determination of the specific threat. The wavelength of the detector must be wide-band to enable correlation of missile types similar to PbSe.
Referring to
Referring to
While the present invention has been described in connection with the preferred embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiment for performing the same function of the present invention without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the recitation of the appended claims.
Claims
1. In a method for laser return characterization in a DIRCM system, wherein the improvement comprises the steps of using a track camera having an embedded single detector, and a split or shared path between the laser and the track camera and embedded detector, the track camera being mounted on a gimbal and dedicated to collect laser returns so as to unburden the track camera from additional processing or from limitations of integration time, the embedded single detector functioning as a background staring sensor to measure background noise used to adjust the gain of the track camera.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Mar 31, 2008
Date of Patent: Nov 9, 2010
Inventors: Armando Corella (Azusa, CA), John A. Carattini (Chino Hills, CA)
Primary Examiner: Isam Alsomiri
Application Number: 12/080,157
International Classification: G01C 3/08 (20060101); G01P 3/36 (20060101);